STEM SUSSEX

SCORE- Practical Work in Science

Score have developed a Practical Work in Science Project, with resources that will be launched in January 2009.

Practical Work in Science ...involves hands-on experiences that prompt thinking about the material and natural world; ...includes two types of core activity:

• Scientific techniques and procedures, both in the laboratory or the field, and
• Scientific enquiries and investigations.

Each of these includes both physical and mental processes - the practice of scientific skills and the understanding of the purposes of scientific procedures and enquiries in order to develop knowledge and conceptual understanding. In addition, there are directly related activities, and activities that complement practical work in science, but are not ‘practical’. Directly related activities include teacher demonstrations and modelling, while complementary activities include computer simulations, group discussions and role play.

For more information about SCORE visit the website http://www.score-education.org

Future Morph

The Future Morph website, http://www.futuremorph.org, is now live, following a successful launch on Tuesday 4 November. 

Future Morph is a new web-based resource for students, teachers and parents which aims to redefine perceptions of the careers arising from studying science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).  The web site will show students that science and maths can be valuable for their future, whatever that might be. 

A New Leaf in Time - free downloadable science books

David Walker FRS, is Emeritus Professor of Photosynthesis at the University of Sheffield. He is a pioneer of the field of photosynthesis, and his many papers and books have made a major contribution to present knowledge of plant biochemistry and physiology. He’s also a grandfather and the author of some unique stories that aim to make science more accessible to bright young minds. 

They are downloadable from his website http://www.oxygraphics.co.uk/ or available to be purchased in CD format. 

A New Leaf in Time is beautifully illustrated by his family. “A book about photosynthesis and how green creatures have shaped the world. For readers between nine and one hundred and nine.” The content includes hyperlinks to all the background information a budding scientific mind might need. 

You can download A New Leaf in Time directly from here http://www.oxygraphics.co.uk/anlit.html but take some time to look at what else is on offer! 

Teaching resources - Team QinetiQ Learning Zone

Ben Fogle and James Cracknell, as Team QinetiQ will be taking part in the first race to the Geographic South Pole since Scott and Amundsen’s legendary duel nearly 100 years ago.

The race covers over 400 miles across one of the harshest environments in the world and takes place during the short Antarctic summer of December 2008 and January 2009. Scientists are working hard to prepare the Team for this epic journey, helping them with nutrition, teamwork and physical fitness. To help you enrich science into the classroom we have developed the Team QinetiQ Learning Zone.

We are delighted to announce that the Learning Zone is now live, so go online at http://www.TeamQinetiQ.com/learningzone , register your school, and gain access to:

• A FREE wall chart
• Teaching aids to help you enrich your science lessons
• Profiles of the team QinetiQ experts to support careers advice
• Opportunity to do a new BA CREST Bronze Award project (Wrap up Warm), which on completion, will allow you to enter a competition to win a visit from Team
• QinetiQ during National Science and Engineering week in March 2009
• FREE Quiz download for fun learning
• Interesting facts and fun quiz about Antarctica

Register now at http://www.teamqinetiq.com/school_registration/ and start the new academic year at a bone chilling -50°C (in the comfort of your own classrooms!).

Honda - Schools of Dreams

Thinking Skills workshops sponsored by Honda

The programme is designed to address ‘thinking skills’ curriculum reqts at KS3, but can also be used at KS2 and KS4. Honda are funding a pilot of 50+ schools in the SE, to receive a 2-day session for pupils and teachers, plus teaching resources – the idea is that this will enable teachers to cascade the programme out within their whole school afterwards & use the techniques across the curriculum (resources provided include a booklet, DVD and other materials).

Find out more at - www.schoolofdreams.co.uk

Science Works Hands-on Experience Exhibitions

The Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux presents - Hands-on Experience Exhibitions:
ForceWorks, LightWorks, ElectricityWorks, SoundWorks and MaterialWorks

** Introducing the new set of ScienceWorks exhibits LifeWorks ***

Each exhibition consists of 12 hands-on exhibits focusing on the National Curriculum Science program of study at Key Stage 1, 2 and 3.

Developed for easy self operation and supported by comprehensive teacher notes, the exhibits are suitable for either schools, public events and can be used as part of a larger science event.
ScienceWorks aims to widen the range of evidence with which children may challenge their existing ideas of how and why things happen.  Communication skills are stretched as pupils discuss their activities during the session and subsequently in the class room.

The multi sensory nature of the experiments provides a broad foundation for the development of more advanced ideas.  Schools may also host an exhibition in conjunction with their feeder primary schools, strengthening links and presenting opportunities to share ideas or work together maximising the exposure to their students.

The flexibility of the exhibition and the concentration of direct sensory experience which it contains makes ScienceWorks ideal for children with special needs.

Planning a Booking
Bookings are recommended for a minimum of two days at a cost of £200 + VAT,
and £60 + VAT for each day thereafter.
Delivery is free within 25 miles of the Observatory Science Centre at Herstmonceux.

The equipment requires no special skills and comes with instructions for use.  Sessions should last approximately 50 minutes per class.

The exhibits require 12 tables 110 x 60cm and at least two mains electricity sockets.

Teacher’s Notes
A set of Teacher’s notes are available for each set of ScienceWorks. 
Please email Jane Ballamy:

Delivery and collection
ScienceWorks are usually delivered on the day before the booking begins and collected at the end of the last day.

To Book
Contact: Jane Ballamy 01323 832731 ext 112
email: 

Full lists of exhibits and further information can be found on the web site www.the-observatory.org

Planet Science free weekly email newsletter

This free resource which brings topical science, practical activities, news of competitions and funding opportunities plus each week a free giveaway.

Planet Science aims to make science more engaging for young people and those that support them.

To sign up visit: http://www.planet-science.com/about_sy/listFS.html

Two new resources from the Vega Science Trust

Two news resources from the Vega Science Trust www.vega.org.uk that may be useful for teachers.

Jonathan Hare of BBC’s Rough Science and the Creative Science Centre at Sussex has worked on a set of instructional teaching modules which can be accessed at http://vega.org.uk/video/subseries/27

We have a set of award winning career profiles called ‘Snapshots’ featuring 14 young scientists at http://vega.org.uk/video/series/10

Both set of resources can be used to supplement the science teaching curriculum and Jonathan is available to give on-line workshops and lectures.

In addition the careers programmes will also be available to purchase on DVDs.

Engineering and Technology Board (ETB)

Trying to launch STEM at your school? Trying to get students to think about careers in STEM?  Have a look at the Engineering and Technology Board (ETB) and their related sites.  See: www.etechb.co.uk

There are loads of great resources and cool magazines to inspire students www.technologyhorizons.co.uk. ETB have also launched their annual report on the engineering and technology labour market www.etechb.co.uk. Other sites worth a look are http://www.enginuity.org.uk and the www.scenta.co.uk site, both with resources and career guidance.

Food for Life Partnership

The Food for Life Partnership is a network of schools and communities across England committed to transforming food culture.

The Partnership is led by the Soil Association together with the Focus on Food Campaign , Garden Organic and the Health Education Trust . Their goal is to revolutionise school meals, reconnect young people with where their food comes from and inspire families to cook and grow food.

For more information visit: www.foodforlife.org.uk